What is the popular name for ships that transport freight from inland ports to oceangoing vessels?

The term "Lakers" is commonly used to refer to ships that operate in the Great Lakes and are specifically designed for transporting freight between inland ports and oceangoing vessels. These ships have the capability to navigate the often shallow and narrow waterways associated with the Great Lakes while also being able to access deeper ports where international shipping occurs. Their design allows them to efficiently carry bulk cargo and ensure a smooth transition of goods from inland locations to larger maritime transport systems.

Freighters encompass a broad category of cargo-carrying ships, but they do not specifically pertain to the unique context of transporting freight from inland ports to ocean-going vessels. Barges are flat-bottomed vessels primarily used for transporting goods in rivers and canals, often towed or pushed by tugboats, but they are limited in capacity and not typically ocean-going. Tankers specifically transport liquids such as oil or chemicals, and while they are an essential part of the shipping industry, they do not serve the function of transporting goods from inland ports to the ocean.